Amobi Okoye DT 6'2 302 Louisville 5.07

By: Robert Davis

There aren’t too many 16 year olds that can play college football, but Okoye did. Not only did he play, but he proved he could hold his own against players four years older. As a freshman reserve, he had 17 tackles, two for loss, and one sack. As a sophomore, Okoye had 26 tackles, two for loss, and a sack. Okoye was again a factor up the middle, finishing with 23 tackles, four for loss, and half a sack. He really came through as a senior, earning All Big East 1st team honors with a career high 49 tackles, 12 for loss, and six sacks.

Okoye may be the ideal nose tackle. He is built low to the ground, and stays low, making it hard for defenders to get under his pads. Combined with his bulk and his strength, and he is immovable on the interior. He is powerful at the point of attack and can push lineman around and clog running lanes on the inside. Okoye’s ability to succeed despite his age is a testament to his intensity. He will not be outworked on the field.

He is an excellent run stopper, but Okoye does not project as much of a playmaker at the next level. He can get penetration but lacks the ability to finish plays off. He has had a lot of success at a young age, but he may need more time to mature before he becomes a factor in the NFL.

Amobi Okoye is a special player. He has had a lot of success in college, and his entire career will be played as a teenager. His upside at the next level is tremendous. He could be an excellent nose tackle in a few years. Okoye’s rise during the season has continued throughout the post season. He may have surpassed Alan Branch as the top tackle in the draft, and is a potential Top 10 pick.